The 108th Bethlehem Bach Festival Returns in May

Like most people, I enjoy a wide variety of musical genres. I listen to the big band and swing legends of my parent's youth, the great crooners in the Sinatra era, as well as old punk, funk, jazz, blues and the top 40 hits of today. Actually, I think the only music I never adopted was country.

Another world famous musical organization founded right in our area back in 1898 is The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. What amazes me about this choir is the fact that it is comprised of around 100 volunteer singers. A couple years back I attended their Christmas Concert in Allentown and was blown away by the performance. I was also surprised by the diversity of the audience. Music truly is the universal language.

This year marks the 108th Bethlehem Bach Festival which will be held on May 1 & 2, May 8 & 9 at various locations in town. Trust me; people come from far and wide to experience this annual event. You'll want to get your tickets early or you might miss the opportunity!

If you can't wait until May, check out one of their three remaining "Bach at Noon" concerts which are FREE. They host seven throughout their season at the Central Moravian Church in Historic Downtown Bethlehem as a "Gift to the Community". Doors open at 11:30a.m. and seats fill up quickly. The chance to enjoy at least one instrumental and one choral performance in the course of an hour sure beats wasting time in a fast food restaurant.

I plan to attend the February 10th concert which will feature:

J.S. Bach: Italian Concerto BWV 971

-Greg Funfgeld, harpsichord

J.S. Bach: Cantata 203 - Amore traditore

(Treacherous love)

J.S. Bach: Cantata 209 - Non sa che dolore

(He does not know what sorrow is)

I copied that from their website which had more details on all upcoming events. I picked this one because I love anything played on harpsichord!

The remaining two noontime concerts are on March 10 and April 14 so mark your calendars. Oh, and remember to have a little cash on hand if you can. This non-profit organization is well deserving of any donati0n you'd care to make.

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, the oldest in America, is just one of our local treasures. If you're not already a patron you should expand your horizons and check them out. I'm sure you'll be impressed.